Can a mouth piece straighten teeth?

Written by sarah weddle

Share

Tweet

Share

Pin

Email

Mouthpieces are used to straighten teeth without braces. (Teeth and Mouth image by Sujit Mahapatra from Fotolia.com)

Though braces are commonly used to straighten teeth, mouthpieces offer an alternative, or addition, to using braces to achieve straight teeth. Invisalign treatments and generic retainers are two ideal mouthpiece choices to straighten teeth over time.

Other People Are Reading

What Is Invisalign?

According to Brite Smile, Invisalign involves a series of mouthpieces created to fit each user personally. Brite Smile notes that Invisalign offers quick, effective results; the mouthpieces are comfortable and created just for you, and the entire system is convenient.

Who Should Get Invisalign?

Brite Smile advises that Invisalign is best for overcrowded teeth, teeth with spaces between them, crossbite, overbite, and underbite. According to the Invisalign website, you will work with a doctor who is trained in the Invisalign system, but you can take an assessment on the website to better understand your needs beforehand.

What Are Retainers?

Another option, according to KidsHealth, is to use a retainer to straighten teeth. Used by children and adults, retainers are typically advised for use after the removal of braces. Retainers are made of plastic and metal and fitted to the individual's mouth..

Who Should Get a Retainer?

Typically, retainers help teeth to stay in place once braces are removed. However, KidsHealth states that retainers are also useful to help with tongue thrusting, used to keep the tongue at the roof of the mouth when speaking. Additionally, retainers can help with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) caused by teeth grinding.